The UTPB baseball team opened a four-game series against Lubbock Christian University by rallying for a 7-6 victory Friday at Roden Field.
It was the home opener for the Falcons, who improved to 2-3 overall and 2-3 in Lone Star Conference play.
The visiting Chaps (3-2, 3-2) had fashioned a 6-1 lead after five innings.
UTPB got going in the sixth, with Austin Hall hammering a three-run homer to cap a four-run inning to pull the Falcons right back into the game.
They took the lead in the eighth inning when Ethan Flodstrom doubled to lead off the inning and scored on Carson Johnson’s double to tie the game.
Finally, with runners at second and third, UTPB Michael Clapperton worked a walk on a wild pitch that allowed Johnson to cross with the eventual game-winning run.
Creede Jeffers came in to pitch he top of the ninth and struck out all three hitters he faced for the save.
The teams continue the series with a doubleheader at noon Saturday at Roden Field.
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50-50 day for softball
LUBBOCK The UTPB softball team got off to a good start against against Adams State, then struggled to stay with Chadron State (Neb.) in its second game of the day at the Lubbock College Sports Invitational.
The Falcons earned a 9-2 victory in their opener, with Chadron State breaking things open late for a 12-2 victory.
UTPB finished with 10 hits against Adams State, with starter Destini Trahan striking out nine in the victory.
Julia Bumford tripled and drove in three runs to pace the Falcons’ in the first game.
The game was tied, 2-2, before Chadron State broke things open with five runs in both the fourth and fifth innings for the run-rule triumph.
UTPB returns to the diamond against Minot State (N.D.) at 2 p.m. and Emporia State (Kan.) at 4 p.m.
